Talulah Riley: Biography, Marriages, and Westworld Career

Few people can say they’ve acted alongside Keira Knightley, been married to Elon Musk twice, and written two novels before turning 40, but Talulah Riley has done all three. This article traces her path from English stage and screen to her marriages with the Tesla CEO, and back to independent creative work, sorting out facts about her family status, divorce settlement, and friendship with her famous ex-husband.

Born: 26 September 1985 · Profession: Actress and novelist · Marriages to Elon Musk: Two (2010–2012; 2013–2016) · Notable Film: Pride & Prejudice (2005) · Notable TV Series: Westworld (2016–2022)

A compact biography: nine data points that define Talulah Riley.

Did Talulah Riley have children with Elon Musk?

Does Talulah Riley have a child from any relationship?

The short answer is no. Talulah Riley does not have any biological children from any of her relationships, including her two marriages to Elon Musk. Business Insider reports that she even took a career break to help care for Musk’s children from his first marriage to Justine Wilson, but she never had her own. Her IMDb profile also lists no children. During her marriages to Musk, the couple remained childless, while Musk fathered children with other partners.

The pattern is clear: Riley’s life as a public figure is defined by her creative work, not by motherhood. The catch — she stepped into a stepmother-like role during part of her time with Musk, a sacrifice that allowed his other children to have a stable home environment.

How much did Talulah Riley get from Elon Musk?

What was the divorce settlement between Talulah Riley and Elon Musk?

The exact divorce settlement Riley received from Elon Musk has never been officially disclosed. According to Wikipedia, Riley reportedly received around $20 million from the combined settlements of both divorces. The first divorce in 2012 was followed by a remarriage, and the second divorce in 2016 yielded a second payout. However, neither party has publicly confirmed the precise figure.

The upshot Riley walked away from the two marriages with significant financial independence, estimated at $20 million — enough to fund her writing and acting projects without external pressure. For anyone curious about the cost of a Musk divorce, the number lingers as an educated guess rather than a public record.

Implication: The settlement gave Riley the freedom to pursue creative work without financial constraints, a rare outcome from such a high-profile split.

Why did Elon Musk marry Talulah Riley twice?

What happened between Talulah Riley and Elon Musk?

Elon Musk and Talulah Riley married for the first time in September 2010 at Dornoch Cathedral in the Scottish Highlands, as recorded by Wikipedia. They divorced in 2012 but remarried in July 2013. Riley filed for divorce again in March 2016, and the divorce was finalized in October 2016. In interviews, Musk has described their relationship as amicable, and both have stated they remain close friends. Los Angeles Times coverage of Riley’s 2024 wedding to Thomas Brodie-Sangster noted that Musk was not present but that Riley and Musk have maintained a friendly connection.

Are Elon Musk and Talulah Riley still friends?

Yes, according to multiple sources. Musk has publicly said they are on good terms. Riley has not commented extensively, but her social media posts occasionally reference their shared history in a lighthearted manner.

“We had a wonderful relationship for a long time. We’re still good friends.”

— Elon Musk, as quoted by Wikipedia

The implication: Musk’s remarriages and divorces have not led to lasting estrangement. Riley remains part of his circle, if only distantly.

For more on notable British actresses, see our profile of Michelle Dockery.

“I’m excited for what comes next. I love writing and acting, and I feel very lucky to have had the opportunities I’ve had.”

— Talulah Riley, via Audible interview

Riley’s own words reflect a woman focused on her craft rather than on the tabloid headlines. The two marriages to Musk gave her financial freedom, but her creative output — two novels, a leading role in a hit HBO series, and a steady acting career — stands as her real legacy.

A detailed account of Talulah Rileys career and marriages offers additional insight into her time in Westworld and her relationships.

Frequently asked questions

For Talulah Riley, the choice is clear: keep writing, keep acting, and keep living away from the spotlight. Or step back into it — but on her own terms.